asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state the number of proof gallons of whiskey exported by the Dublin Distillers Company in the last four months of 1939, and in 1940, 1941, 1942 and 1943; and the circumstances under which an export licence was granted for any whiskey exported in the past two years in view of the present shortage here and the loss of duty to the taxpayers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Whiskey Exports.
It is not the practice to publish particulars about the business of any individual concern. Control over the export of whiskey was imposed on 15th November, 1941, for the purpose of restricting the expansion of such exports in the interests of the home trade. The position in respect of whiskey stocks held in this country has never been such as would justify a complete prohibition of exports, and it is considered desirable that ordinary exporters should be facilitated to a reasonable extent in maintaining contact with their foreign customers. The position with regard to supplies for the home trade is under periodic review and export quotas are varied from time to time so as to ensure that there are adequate quantities of whiskey available for home consumption. There is no reason why there should be any scarcity of whiskey for home consumption as ample stocks are held by distillers. Recently, however, there has appeared a reluctance on the part of certain distillers to release stocks for home sales and this aspect of the matter is at present under active consideration.
The Minister has indicated that it is not the usual procedure to publish the particulars that I have requested. Could the Minister say if such particulars are at the disposal of his Department, or if the Department have kept records of the quantities of whiskey exported?
Certainly. The objection is to publishing details regarding the business of any single firm.